Jamie and Rebekah Vardy have invited fans into their private lives with a new intimate reality series that follows their departure from Leicester City after 13 years and their transition to a new life abroad. The series, titled 'The Vardys', premiered on Tuesday, June 2, on ITV1 and ITVX, capturing the family as they relocate to Italy and adjust to a different lifestyle.
Rebekah Vardy Explains Decision to Make Reality Series
In an interview with Radio Times, Rebekah Vardy opened up about her reasons for returning to television. She stated, "Do you know what? I think this is the million dollar question, actually. We've been approached so many times to do shows like this, and it just never felt like it was the right time. But I think off the back of Jamie filming the Netflix documentary, it just felt like it was the right kind of transition, and it was the perfect opportunity because we had something new to talk about." She added, "We had something new in terms of we were moving to Italy, uprooting our whole family, and it was just like, 'If we're gonna do it, now is the perfect time to do it.'"
Rebekah Vardy Adjusts to Italian Life After Leicester Departure
Adapting to Italian life has been a mix of incredible and challenging experiences for Rebekah. She explained, "Adapting to Italian life has been a mixture of incredible, but challenging at times as well. We looked at how we could balance the whole excitement of a new journey, but also dealing with the emotional turmoil of massive change as well. Obviously being at Leicester for so long, it was very emotional, and I think you kind of get really nervous because it's like stepping into the unknown." The move has offered her a chance to reset away from the British tabloid spotlight. "It was a rest and reset for all of us, really. It was a chance to kind of escape the glare of the tabloids and the British public with the opinions and judgments, and it was just a real good opportunity to get away, to kind of reflect on what's really important for us as a family, and spend some more quality time together."
Rebekah Vardy Responds to Criticism and In-Person Abuse
Discussing the abuse she faces from fans, Rebekah spoke candidly about its impact. She remarked, "Do you know what? I actually don't think I have one. And when I'm going through times like that, and if I'm at away games, the home fans or the away fans balance out the noise. So I don't tend to hear a lot of it which is actually quite nice. And I just think abuse in anything directed at anyone is not acceptable in any form. I think it's disgusting, and I think it's so misogynistic." She explained that her public persona masks her true self: "I think it comes from a place of resilience. And I think throughout my whole life I've come across situations where I have been really uncomfortable. My childhood, the kind of environment that I was brought up in, where you kind of get told to shut your emotions down. So a lot of the time I do understand why I may come across as that really hard face – resting bitch face, as they like to call my persona. But actually, do you know what? That couldn't be further from the truth. That is not me at all. It's just the armour that I put up."
Rebekah Vardy Discusses Her Support Network
Rebekah spoke warmly of her close circle of friends, whom she nicknamed 'The Inbetweeners'. She said, "Do you know what? I love them. They are the most kind people you'll ever come across, and I actually nicknamed them The Inbetweeners many years ago when I first met them. I was like, 'You lot remind me of something. You are so chaotic.' And they humble you real quick. Real quick. And I think that's just what I love about them so much, there's no airs and graces."
Rebekah Vardy on Her Marriage to Jamie Vardy
As the couple approaches their 10-year anniversary, Rebekah reflected on what keeps their relationship strong. She stated, "I think you just have to learn how to balance each other, how to communicate. Do things together. But most importantly, you need to support each other. And whether that's Jamie off doing something that he needs support on, or I'm off doing something, I think you have to complement each other in every single aspect of your life. And I think communication is the biggest key as well. Without that, you don't have a relationship." She clarified her role in Jamie's career decisions: "When it comes down to football, I have absolutely no say whatsoever. That's Jamie's job. And he makes those decisions. His success is his doing. You can only lead a horse to water. You can't make it drink. And I tried to just say to him, 'Look, your life's spiralling out of control. You need to make a decision and whatever that decision is, you need to make it for the right reasons.'"
Rebekah concluded that Italy has given her the chance to focus on what matters most: "Italy's been really nice because it's given me the chance just to be a mum. And just to focus on my family. And look after the kids and learn, you know, enjoy a new culture and meet new people."
'The Vardys' airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
